Described are conjugates comprising a water-soluble polymer linked to a compound comprising a catechol moiety via a cleavable linkage, wherein the cleavable linkage is formed between the water-soluble polymer and a first phenolic hydroxyl group of the catechol moiety and a second phenolic hydroxyl group of the catechol moiety is linked to a blocking group wherein the rate of hydrolytic release of the compound comprising the catechol moiety is controlled, at least in part, through structure or design of the blocking group on the second phenolic hydroxyl group of the catechol moiety. Therefore, the rate of hydrolytic release of the compound comprising the catechol moiety can be tuned through structural design of the group on the second phenolic hydroxyl group of the catechol moiety. Compounds used in the synthesis of the described conjugates and methods of using the described conjugate and other compounds in the treatment of dopamine-responsive disorders are also described.